Distilling apparatus



March 12, 5 BROWN DISTILLING APPARATUS Filed April 12, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 12, 1940. R. E. BROWN DISTILLiNG APPARATUS Filed April 12, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 lire/27b Rosa-v? 72E BMW/v Patented Mar. 12, 1940 NT FFECE ms'rnmnyo. APPARATUS Robert E. Brown, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Edwin H. Vail, Los

Angeles, Calif.

Application April 12, 1937, Serial No. 136,283

' Claims. (01. 202-203) This invention relates to distilling apparatus and relates more particularly to apparatus for distilling and aerating water. A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, sim- 5 plified and particularly efiective water distilling device that is entirely automatic in its operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved water distilling apparatus of the general character fully described and claimed in my co-pending application entitled Apparatus for distilling Water, Serial No. 748,058, filed October 12, 1934.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic water distilling device that. is operable to provide and maintain a supply of cool aerated distilled water, being operable to'automatically supply substantially unlimited quantitles of Water as may be required.

Another object of this invention is to prozoi vide an automatic water distilling apparatus that may be embodied in an attractive, compact unit suitable for installation in dwellings, hotels, public buildings and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ater distilling apparatus that is adapted to receive Water from a city water line or other similar source and distill and aerate it as it is used, to maintain a suitable constant supply of fresh cool distilled water that has had its oxygen con tent restored by aeration.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic water distilling apparatus of the character mentioned that embodies a novel condenser that employs air as a cooling medium, thereby eliminating the necessity of a second water connection, and a Waste or drain for carrying off cooling Water.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic apparatus for distilling water that is entirely safe as it does not handle or contain steam at any appreciable pressure and embodies an automatic safety control for the heating element of the boiler and a safety control for the boiler feed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic water distilling apparatus of the character mentioned that embodies means for aerating the distilled water and means for maintaining a circulation of cooling air through the condenser and the interior of the housing, both of said means being operated by a single electric motor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character mentioned that includes a simple and very dependable control responsive to the level of the water in the distilled Water container that automatically controls both the heating element of the boiler and the motor driving the aerator and the air circulating fan.

Another object or" the invention is to provide a water distilling apparatus of the character mentioned that embodies a simple, effective means for aerating the distilled water before it reaches the container holding the supply of dis tilled aerated water.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic water distilling device of the character mentioned that is economical to operate as it employs water and electrical energy only when the level of the supply of aerated distilled water is lowered.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic Water distilling and aerating apparatus that is dependable in operation, requiring very little attention or servicing.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the apparatus provided by this invention. Fig. 2 is a central vertical detailed view taken substantially as indicated by line 22 on Fig. 1 illustrating the principal operative parts of the apparatus and showing the condenser in side elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2. Fig. i is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line fi--.-i on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a horizontal detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 56 on Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view illustrating the aerating means and the adjacent parts of the apparatus. Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary horizontal detailed sectional View taken substantially as indicated by line 88 on Fig. '7.

The apparatus provided by the present invention includes, generally, a body or housing 18 carrying a vessel or container H for receiving the aerated distilled water, a boiler l2 in the housing ill embodying a heating element !3, a boiler feed M, a condenser l5 in the housing It! for receiving the steam or Water vapor from the boiler I2, means I6 for aerating the distilled water received from the condenser I5 and for circulating cooling air through the condenser I5, and an automatic control I? for governing the heating element I3 of the boiler I2 and the means I6.

The body or housing I'D carries and encloses the various parts and mechanisms of the apparatus. The housing It may be varied somewhat in construction and design without departing from the present invention. In the particular construction illustrated in the drawings the housing It includes a lower section I8 for housing the container II. The lower housing section I3 is an upright or vertical structure that may be cylindrical in its general configuration. The housing section I? is supported on suitable legs I9 and is hollow or tubular to receive the container II. The container II is preferably formed of glass or a suitably porous material and has a reduced neck 21! projecting slightly above the upper end of the lower housing section I8. A suitable valve or faucet 2I communicates with the interior of the container II and projects from the housing section I8 to facilitate the drawing of water from the container. A cup or glass holder 22 is spaced below the faucet 2I. The holder 22 is adapted to discharge overflow water into a removable container 23 supported within the lower housing section I8. The housing section It has an opening 24 in its rear wall to permit the ready insertion and removal of the container 23.

The housing I0 includes an intermediate section 25 and an upper section 25. The intermediate housing section 25 houses the condenser I5 and is foraminous or perforate to admit cooling air for circulation through and about the condenser I'5. In practice the housing sections 25 and 25 may be smaller in diameter than the lower section I8 and may be co-axial with the section I 8. The intermediate housing section 25 may be supported on the upper end of the lower section I8 by an adapter member 21. The member 27 is cap-like having a horizontal top forming a partition 28 separating the interior of the section 25 from the interior of the lower housing section I8. The upper housing section 25 contains the boiler I2 and the boiler feed I4 and is a hollow cylindrical structure. The housing section 26 is supported on the upper end of the section 25 and is provided with a removable cap or head 29. The head 29 has a reduced tubular portion 30 projecting upwardly and having an open upper end. The upper edge of the portion 30 may be 'rolled or curved inwardly as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The upper housing section 26 may have an extension or projecting portion 3I on its rear side.

The boiler I2 is located within the upper housing section 23 and is a simple vessel substantially centrally disposed within the section 26. The boiler I2 may be supported by a central vertical pipe 32 which extends vertically through it and projects from its lower end. A collar 33 on the pipe 32 bears against the upper surface of the bottom wall of the boiler I2 while a clamp nut 34 on the pipe 32 engages the lower surface of said wall to secure the boiler to the pipe. The boiler I2 has a removable cover 35 on its upper end. A groove 35 may be provided in the cover 35 to receive the upper edge portion of the boiler I2. The cover 35 of the boiler I2 is provided with a downwardly extending socket or well 31. The

well 31 is comparatively deep and projects downwardly within the water carrying zone of the boiler I2. The heating element I3 of the boiler I2 is an electrically energized heating means located or disposed within the lower portion of the boiler. The heating element I3 is, of course, suitably insulated and may be in the form of a spiral or coil. The terminals or posts 38 of the heating element I3 extend through packing glands 39 in the lower wall of the well 31 to project upwardly into the well.

In accordance with the invention the boiler I2 is provided with an insulating jacket 40. The jacket 40 surrounds or encloses the boiler I2 in spaced relation thereto. In the typical construction illustrated in the drawings the insulating jacket 40 is supported on brackets M which also serve to support the pipe 32. The brackets 4I may be attached to the inner side of the intermediate housing section 25 and may have feet 42 bolted or otherwise secured to the partition 28. A removable cap 43 is provided for the upper end of the jacket 4|]. The cap 43 has a reduced part 44 extending upwardly into the portion 30 of the head 29. The part 44 of the cap 43 is spaced a considerable distance from the interior of the portion 30. The jacket 40 .is filled or provided with suitable thermal insulating material 45. A drain 46 communicates with the lower end of the boiler I2 and extends to the exterior of the housing II] where it is provided with a drain valve 41. The pipe 32 extends upwardly through an opening 28 in the cover 35 to project from the boiler I2. A boss 49 surrounds the opening 48 and a pipe 55 is threaded into the boss to project upwardly from the boiler cap 35. The pipe 50 surrounds the pipe 32 with substantial clearance and its upper end may engage the under side of the upper wall of the jacket part 44. A plug or head 5| may be threaded on the upper end of the pipe 32 to close the same and to clamp against the the upper wall of the jacket part 44.

The boiler feed I4 is provided to automatically maintain the proper water level in the boiler I2. The boiler feed I4 is float controlled and is entirely automatic in its operation. A water feed line or pipe 52 enters the housing III at a suitable point and extends to a point adjacent the rear side of the jacket 40. In the particular case illustrated the feed pipe 52 enters the lower housing section It and extends upwardly through the sections 25 and 26 to a point adjacent the upper end of the boiler jacket 40. It is to be understood that the water feed pipe 52 may be connected with any suitable source of water supply (not shown). A strainer and trap 53 may be provided in the feed pipe 52 at any suitable point. The boiler feed I4 includes a float chamber 54 provided by a vessel 55 in the rear portion of the housing section 26 and its projecting part 3I'. The lower end of the float chamber 54 has constant communication with the drain pipe 46 and, therefore, is in constant communication with the lower end of the boiler I2.

A casting or fitting 56 closes the upper end of the vessel 55. The fitting 56 is partitioned or chambered having a chamber 5'! whose lower end is in communication with the float chamber 54 and an outer or second chamber 58. A tubular valve fitting 59 is threaded in an opening in the. wall of the second chamber 58 and carries a spring pressed valve 60 having a stem BI projecting into the chamber 58. The feed pipe 52 is connected with the fitting 53 to supply water to the chamber 53 when the valve 60 is open. A port 62 is provided in the wall of the second chamber 58 and a pipe 63 extends from the port 62 to a tubular valve fitting 64 extending through an opening in a wall of the inner chamber '51. A spring pressed valve 65 is provided in the fitting 64 and is operable to close ofi the passage'of water from the pipe 63 to the chamber 51. The valve 65 has a stem 66 projecting from the fitting 66 to extend into the chamber 51.

The boiler feed It includes a float 61 in the float chamber 54. The float 61 is carried by or connected with a lever 66 pivoted on a pin 69 carried by the fitting 56. The upper arm of the lever 68 is adapted to cooperate with the stem 66 of the valve 65. When the level of the water in the boiler I2 and the float chamber 54 lowers beyond a definite point the float 61 moves downwardly causing the lever 68 to pivot and move the valve stemv I56 to open the valve 65 and thus admit water from the'pipe 63 into the floatchamber 54. It is believed that it will be apparent how the float 67 operating the lever 68 is adapted to control the valve 65 to maintain the proper level of water in the boiler I2.

The boiler feed I4 includes a safety control to prevent the flooding of the boiler in the event that the valve 65 refuses to close or the float 61 becomes caught. The fitting 56 has an upper chamber 10 whose lower end is in communication with the float chamber 54. A lever II is rigidly supported on a turnable pin 69 and carries a float I2 which is disposed within the chamber 10. The lever lI projects into the chamber 51. A packing gland "I3 is provided in the wall 14 which separates the chambers 5! and 58 and seals about the pin 69 A cam I5 is provided on the pin 69*. engage the valve stem 6| to normally hold the valve 60 open. In the event that the valve 65 fails to close or the float 61 becomes caught in a lower position and the boiler I 2 receives an excessive amount of water the water rises ant enters the chamber I0. When this occurs the float I2 is raised and the cam I5 is turned so that the spring of the valve 66 closes the valve to cut off the passage of water to the chamber 58, the float chamber 54 and the boiler I2.

Flushing means may be provided for flushing out the boiler I2. A conduit I I0 is connected with a port III in the wall of the chamber 58 and extends to the interior of the boiler I2 and may be employed to flush the boiler. A suitable manual control valve H2 is provided in the conduit Ill] to control the passage of water through the conduit H6. To flush the boiler I2 the drain valve l! is first opened to allow the boiler to drain; the valve H2 is then opened to discharge the flushing water into the boiler.

The condenser I5 receives steam or vapor from the boiler I2 and discharges condensate or distilled Water which is received by the aerating means I6. The condenser I5 is arranged within the housing section 25 and is spaced below the boiler 52. It is a feature of the invention that the condenser I5 employs air as the cooling medium. In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the condenser I5 is a substantially rectangular structure having vertically disposed chambers It and H at its opposite ends. A multiplicity of spaced tubes '18 extend between and connect the two chambers I6 and I1. The tubes I8 are associated with or provided with the usual heat radiating plates arranged in the well known honey comb pattern to provide vertical air passages IS. The pipe 32 described above receives steam from the boiler I2 being provided with openings in its upper portion A cam I5 is provided on the pin 69 to which communicate with the "interior of the pipe 50 which in turn communicates with the upper end of the boiler I2. The openings 86 are located above the float 12 so that the level of water in the boiler I2 cannot reach the openings 80 without having first caused closing of the valve 60.

A tube or pipe SI connects the lower end of the pipe 32 with the upper end portion of the condenser chamber I6. A discharge pipe 62 communicates with the lower end of the chamber 7'! and extends downwardly to carry the condensate or distilled water to the aerating means I6. The steam or vapor passing through the tubes It givesup its heat and is converted into water which flows out through the pipe 82. In accordance with the invention a relief port 83 is provided in the wall of the condenser chamber l! to place the interior of the condenser in. com-' munication with the atmosphere. The relief port 83 preferably communicates with the upper end portion of the condenser chamber Tl. The port 83 in connecting the interior of the condenser with the atmosphere prevents a superatmospheric pressure or a reduced pressure from developing in the condenser and boiler system. The relief port 83 is comparatively small and does not permit the loss of an appreciable amount of Water vapor from the condenser.

The means I6 for aerating the distilled water from the condenser I5 and for circulating air through the condenser I5 is a motor driven means governed by the automatic control H. The means I6 includes an open topped vessel or cup 8& arranged within the neck 26 of the container II. The cup 84 is preferably formed of glass or the like and is spaced from the wall of the neck 26. A cap or plate 85 may extend across the upper end of the neck 2|] and the cup 66 may be supported by a hanger 36 projecting downwardly from the plate 85. The discharge pipe 82 of the condenser I5 passes though an opening 81 in the partition 28, the plate 85 and the hanger 66 to discharge into the cup M. As the cup 841 has an open upper end the water is free to overflo from it into the container IL The aerating and air circulating means I6 includes a vertically disposed electric motor M located above the partition 26. A suitable bracket 88 on the partition 28 supports the motor M. The shaft 89 of the motor M projects downwardly through an opening to in the bracket 68, the partition 28, the plate 65 and hanger 86 and carries an agitator SI which is adapted to rotate in the cup 84 to agitate and aerate the water in the cup. A sleeve 92 lines the opening 96 and may be flanged to secure or aid in. securing the hanger 86, the plate85, and the bracket 68 to the partition 28. An inverted cup-shaped shield 93 may be provided on the motor shaft 89 above the sleeve 92 to prevent the passage of foreign matter downwardly through the sleeve. The sleeve 92 carries a tube 64 which projects downwardly into the water in the cup 8&- to provide a water seal about the shaft of the agitator 9|. When the motor M is in operation the agitator BI effectively aerates the water in the cup 84 to recharge the distilled water with air.

In addition to aerating the distilled water as it is delivered to the cup 84 the means I6 operates to circulate air through the condenser I5 and the housing sections 25 and 26 to insure the proper condensation of the water vapor in the condenser and to cool the water or condensate. The motor shaft .89 has a portion projecting condenser I5.

above the motor which carries a bladed-fan 95. The blades of the fan 95 are pitched to force or circulate air upwardly through the housing sections 2.5 and and through the foraminous The perforations of the intermediate housing section admit air to the inteiior of the housing at the fan 95 while the opening in the upper end of the head portion allows the air to pass upwardly out of the "housing so that a free circulation of air is maintained while the motor M is in operation. It is believed that it will be apparent how the air circulated upwardly by the fan 95 passes through the honey comb structure I9 of the condenser I5 to effect the condensation of the water vapor in the condenser and to cool the resultant condensate.

The automatic control I! is responsive to the water level in the container II and is operable to simultaneously energize the heating element of a float control including a buoyant body or,

float 00 in the container II arranged to float upon the distilled water in the container. A stem or rod 91 is connected to the float 96 and projects upwardly therefrom. The rod 91 is bent or formed to extend above the cup 84, then curve downwardly into the cup and then extend upwardly through an opening 08 in the hanger 80, the plate 85, the partition 28 and the bracket 88. A tube 59 is arranged in the opening 98 to project downwardly into the water in the cup 84 to provide a water seal about the float rod 9'1. The tube 90 receives the float rod 91 with suitable clearance to permit the free movement of the float 90.

The energizing electric circuit of the motor M and the heating element I3 is controlled by a mercury switch I00. A suitable bracket IOI pivotally mounts the mercury switch I00 on an arm of the bracket 00. A suitable slack connection I02 is provided between the float rod 91 and the mercury switch I00 whereby the switch is pivoted by vertical movement of the float 96. The necessary electrical conductors I 03 extend to the mercury switch I00 and the motor M and the heating element I3. When the container II is filled with distilled aerated water at the desired level the float 00 acting through the medium of its rod 07! holds the switch I00 in a position where the energizing circuit to the motor M and the heating element It is broken or open. After an amount of water has been. withdrawn from the container II to lower the water level an appreciable extent the float 96 will have moved downwardly to cause pivoting of the mercury switch I00 to a position where its mercury completes the energizing circuit to the motor M and the heating element I3, so that aerated distilled water is again supplied to the container I I to raise its water level.

The present invention provides an automatic safety control for the heating element I3 which operates to de-energize the element It in the event that the boiler temperature becomes excessively high. A switch is connected in one of the energizing leads I03 of the heating element It. The switch may comprise two contact arms I04 mounted on the boss 49. The lower contact arm I04 normally tends to flex down-.

wardly out of engagement with the upper contact arm I04. A thermostatic element or bimetal element I05 is supported on the lower wall of the well 31 and projects upwardly toward the contacts I04. A finger I06 of insulation is provided on the upper end of the bi-metal element I05 to engage the under side of the lower contact I04. The bi-metal element I05 is proportioned to normally hold the lower contact I04 in engagement with the upper contact I04. The lei-metal element I05 being in the well 31 is subjected to and. is responsive to the heat of the boiler 52. When the boiler temperature becomes excessively high or raises above a predetermined degree the biemetal element I05 is bent by the heat so that its finger I06 releases from the lower contact I04 allowing the lower contact to flex out of engagement with the upper contact I04. Thus the heating element I3 is automatically de-energized when the boiler temperature becomes excessively high and the apparatus is protected against injury by excessively prolonged energization of the heating element I3.

Means is provided for resetting the lower contact I04 and the bi-metal element I05. A reset rod I0! is connected with the lower contact I04 and extends upwardly through the part 44 of the jacket cover 43. The reset rod I0! extends through an opening in the top of the part 44 and has a suitable handle I08 on its upper end. After the boiler I2 has cooled down following opening of the switch I04-I04 the bi-metal element I05 tends to return to a substantially vertical position and the attendant may engage the handle I08 and raise the rod I01 to flex the lower contact I04 upwardly to allow the bi-metal element I05 to return to its normal position where it holds the lower contact I04 in engagement with the upper contact I04.

In the operation of the apparatus the container II is normally filled with the distilled aerated water to a level where the float 06 holds the mercury switch I00 in an open condition. The float control or boiler feed I4 maintains a suitable water level in the boiler I2. The container II may be formed of partially porous material so that the evaporation of water on its external surface keeps the contained water cool. As the water is drawn off from the container II the water level in the container is, of course, lowered. When the level of the water in the container II has reached a predetermined point the float 90 will have moved downwardly to a position where it has pivoted the mercury switch I00 to a position where its mercury completes the circuit to the motor M and the heating element I 3. Thus the motor M and the heating element II: are automatically energized.

The heating element I3 raises the temperature of the water in the boiler I2 to vaporize the water and vapor passes upwardly through the pipe and enters the pipe 32 through the openings 80. Thus the vapor is delivered to the condenser I5. The air circulated through the condenser I5 by the fan 95 effectively condenses the water vapor and cools the resultant condensate before it passes out through the discharge pipe 82. The relief port 83 in the wall of the condenser chamber 71 puts the interior of the condenser and boiler system in communication with the atmosphere so that reduced pressure or super-atmospheric pressures cannot develop in the system.

The distilled water from the condenser I I discharges through the pipe 82 into the cup 04 where it is aerated by the action of the agitator III. The

aerated distilled water overflows from the cup 84 into the container H. The boiler feed 84 operates to maintain the proper water level in the boiler l2 during the distilling operation. The air circulated upwardly throughthe housing by the fan 95 passes around the boiler jacket and flows upwardly through the open upper end of the portion 33 to prevent overheating of the apparatus. The distilling operation continues until the level of the water in the container ll raises to the point where the float 96 has pivoted the mercury switch Hill to a position where the energizing circuit of the motor M and the heating element i3 is open. Thus the control I! provides for the automatic energizing and de-energizing of the motor M and the heating element 13.

The apparatus operates to maintain a substantial supply of aerated distilled water in the container l i and is capable of distilling a substantial quantity of water as conditions may require. The boiler feed M involving the safety valve BI] and the safety control float 12 operates to maintain the proper level of the water in the boiler l2 and prevents flooding of the boiler. The thermostatic control comprising the contacts llll and the bi-metal element I05 are adapted to automatically de-energize the heating element I3 in the event that the boiler temperatures become excessively high. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of operating for a long period with little or no servicingor adjustment. The boiler E2, the feed I l and the adjacent parts may be made accessible for adjustment, repair, etc. by removing the head 24, the cap 43 and the cover 35. The apparatus is compact and as the condenser i5 does not require a supply of cooling water the apparatus does not necessitate the installation of an outlet or drain for cooling water.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. Water distilling apparatus including a housing having a foraminous portion, a boiler in the housing above said foraminous portion, an air cooled condenser in said foraminous portion of the housing, a vessel below said foraminous portion receiving the distilled water from the condenser, means in the housing below the condenser for circulating air upwardly through the housing, and an agitator for aerating the water in the vessel.

2. Water distilling apparatus including a housing having a foraminous portion, a boiler in the housing above said foraminous portion, an air cooled condenser in said foraminous portion of the housing, a vessel below said foraminous portion receiving the distilled water from the condenser, means in the housing below the condenser for circulating air upwardly through the housing, an agitator for aerating the water in the vessel, and a motor in the housing operating the said means and the agitator.

3. Water distilling apparatus comprising a boiler embodying an electric heating element, an air cooled condenser receiving water vapor from the boiler, the condenser having an air conducting cooling grid and a condensate discharge line, a housing enclosing the boiler and condenser, the

housing having air inlet means in the lower portion and air outlet means at its upper end, power driven means for circulating air through the condenser grid and the housing to cool the condenser and carry the heat upwardly. through the air outlet, a vessel receiving the condensate from the said line of the condenser, and a control for the heating element and said power driven air circulating means responsive to the water level in the vessel.

42. Water distilling apparatus including a housing having a foraminous portion, a boiler in the housing, an air cooled condenser in communication with the boiler to'receive the vapor therefrom and operating to condense the vapor, the condenser being below the boiler and located Within the forarninous portion of the housing, and means for circulating air upwardly through the condenser and housing to cool the condenser and to carry the heattherefrom upwardly past the boiler, and a vessel receiving the condensate from the boiler.

5. Water distilling apparatus including a housing having a foraminous portion and having an air outlet in its upper end, a boiler in the housing above said foraminous portion, an air cooled condenser in said foraminous portion spaced below the boiler and receiving the vapor from the boiler, air circulating means in the housing for circulating air upwardly through the housing and condenser to cool the condenser and carry the heat therefrom upwardly past the boiler to said outlet, and a vessel receiving the condensate from the condenser.

ROBERT E. BROWN. 

